Golden
Dawn Arkestra, obviously, are my favorite band from Austin. Their
debut EP was released in 2014, and ever since I first
saw them, I've been eagerly awaiting a full-length album. When
they finally announced a release party for such an album, I
immediately bought a ticket. They actually played two shows, but I
only went to the second one, as the lineup seemed more up my alley.

First up was The Sun
Machine, a six-piece band from Austin with a garage feel. There
were hints of surf guitar, something akin to spooky camp, sunny 60s
pop or classic rock, and just a touch of psychedelia. The two guitars
and keyboard did battle to occupy space, and the keyboard
consistently lost. However, the presence of an extra percussionist
really added to the groove and helped the drummer always bring a good
beat. I couldn't tell if they were supposed to be funny, creepy, or
serious, but it seemed like it rocked more than they'd intended. Or
maybe their studio work is just tamer than their live show.

[The Sun Machine.]

Dallas Acid is
actually from Austin. They are a trio of two men sitting behind Moog
synthesizers and a woman drummer/vocalist. Their music fits into the
Kosmische/cosmic
tradition in that the beat is minimal, the vocals are sparse, the
approach is anything but aggressive, and the sound is astral or
pastoral. As if to prove their debt to early Kraftwerk,
their music was accompanied by a projection of what appeared to be a
German BMW promo video from the 70s. Actually, though, I thought
their music was better suited to some philosophical sci-fi movie
(i.e. 2001 or Stalker)
than an automotive exposition! They played a very serene,
peaceful set that seemed a bit at odds with the other bands on the
bill, and although the audience chattered through some of it, they
were still fairly respectful and give them quite a bit of applause
when they walked off stage with the synthesizers still going.

[Dallas Acid.]

Annabelle Chairlegs
is another Austin band, seemingly quite young but rising fast. They
had traces of groovy 60s psych and aggressive 90s alternative that
blended well. The lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist was good, and the
drummer somehow was able to regularly and effortlessly supply great
harmony parts in just the right spots. The lead guitarist played with
sublime taste; he offered a wonderful variety of effects and style
and somehow managed to never be overwhelming. He even played a little
slide solo on the last song that came off just right without seeming
contrived. The band had a consistently good energy throughout their
set.

[Annabelle Chairlegs.]

Golden Dawn
Arkestrastarted
with their regular trick of emerging from the back of the venue,
wandering through the crowd while dancing, playing horns and
percussion, and blowing incense, and gradually making their way to
the stage. They launched into a set consisting mostly of long, groovy
versions of songs from their new album, Stargazer.
This time, I counted fourteen members on stage, plus an older man
that danced in place just off stage or on the stairwell.

[Golden Dawn Arkestra.]

As
always, their sound is full, and yet the instruments are not
difficult to distinguish, and the members tend to trade instruments
and positions with ease. There was again quite of a bit of dancing,
reminders to take care of Mother Earth, and various pseudo-mystical
rituals. This time, in addition to the usual psychedelic funk, there
were a couple more ponderous, spacier segments, although they didn't
last long. It was also the first time I noticed a baritone sax, a
flute, and various percussion instruments, although I may have just
had the advantage of perhaps the best spot in the house. I also
noticed more of the members, including the dancers, joining in the
singing. I
seem to always enjoy this band, but by a narrow margin, this may have
been the best I've seen of them yet.